Crews were called to a reported structure fire in Joliett Porter Township on 2nd and Pine streets.
See story on page 4
Child Dies in Bradford City Blaze
The Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched on February 3, 2026, for a reported structure fire on Jackson Avenue.
See story on page 6
1 Dead, 3 FFs Injured in Lewistown 4-Alarmer
On January 23, 2026, Mifflin County sent a box alarm for a house fire with people trapped on East 3rd Street.
See story on page 11
Early Morning Basement Fire in Lower Burrell
On December 24, 2026, Lower Burrell crews and surrounding stations were called to a basement fire in Lower Burrell.
See story on page 14
19 Displaced by Harrisburg Blaze
On December 12, 2025, Dauphin County 911 began receiving multiple calls for a house fire on North 18th Street.
See story on page 16
Firefighter’s Son to Represent USA in World Hockey Tournament
The parents of Jackson Sizer need to raise the funds for his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
See story on page 30
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO
TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer
GARY P. JOYCE, Editor
MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor
MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production
CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales
SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager
BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant
Graphic Artists:
LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, TED HODGINS, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, STEPHEN LENZ, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR.
COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext 3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ
Proud Member Of:
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
page 24 Business Directory
Close & Personal
page 24
page 28
page 29
page 28
page 30
Bensalem at a Fatal Explosion in Bristol Twp.
Quick Stop in Swatara Township
Box 49-6 toned at 1406 hours on December 11, 2025, sending Company 91, Engines 37, 50 and 2-13, Squad 8, Wagons 301 and 55, and Tower 32 to Vista Terrace for a house fire. Swatara Fire and Rescue Engine 91 advised of a caller reporting a fire in the living room. Tower 32 arrived to a singlestory, single-family dwelling with smoke showing from side A. Squad 8 stretched a supply line, picked up by Engine 91. A line was stretched and quickly knocked down a fire around the living room window that extended up the wall. All searches were negative and the fire was placed under control in approximately 15 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
On December 23, 2025, the Bensalem Tower Ladder used their aerial to monitor peripheral fire spread from a gas fed fire as well as structural conditions following a catastrophic explosion at the Silver Lake Health Care Center in Bristol on December 23, 2025. Two people were reported killed and several others injured. The Montgomery County USAR team members including a rescue dog were on stand by to assist with operations following an explosion.
- Fire News photos by Frank Saia
Burn Victim at Joliet Garage Fire
On January 24, 2026, crews were called to a reported structure fire in Joliett Porter Township on 2nd and Pine streets. Soon after Chief 22-4 was advised of multiple calls for fire in a 60- x 30-foot garage well involved; the chief requested a tanker task force. On arrival the garage was found to have an rv/camper exposure involved, as well as a burn victim. Captain 22-2 advised of high-tension lines being down on the D side and the homeowner advised of having numerous propane and gas tanks within the garage. Command struck a second alarm for manpower. Two portaponds were established for tankers. It was found the camper was a residence for the burned individual. Before long most of the active fire was knocked down as crews worked on remaining hot spots. Crews not only battled flames but icy conditions and single-digit temperatures. Units from Joliett, Muir, West End Sheridan, Hegins Valley, Donaldson, Tremont, Llywelyn, Newtown, Lykens, Sacramento, North End Pine Grove, HH&L, Orwin and more along with EMS from Tower City and Willamstown and fire police assisted.
Camper Fire on
E. Harrisburg Pike
On September 7, 2025 at 1642 hours, on East Harrisburg Pike, Engine 88 was alerted to assist Londonderry Fire Company with a camper fire. Engine 88 and DO 54 arrived to find a well involved camper. Engine 88 dropped a supply line from the end of the driveway and stretched two lines to extinguish the fire while Engine 54 secured the water supply. All searches came up negative and no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by Easton Watkins
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Child Dies in Bradford City Blaze
The Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched on February 3, 2026, for a reported structure fire on Jackson Avenue at 1652 hours. Additional communications to the fire department indicated a working fire with flames through the roof and entrapment. A second alarm was requested by the Tower 1 officer. Upon arrival, crews were confronted by heavy fire and smoke on the second floor with flames through the roof on the Bravo side of the building. A two-year-old child was confirmed missing at that time. Search and rescue operations along with suppression operations were immediately initiated. The child was located in a second-floor bedroom and removed by city firefighters who immediately initiated life saving
measures. The child was transported by Bradford Fire Department Paramedic Ambulance to Bradford Regional Medical Center where the child was pronounced deceased. The second alarm brought offduty city firefighters, two Squads with crews from Bradford Township and an air truck from Derrick City. Derrick City along with Corydon Township and Lewis Run were placed on standby when a third alarm was requested. Firefighters used five, 1-3/4 inch attack lines and two aerial master streams from Tower 1 to battle the fire. Firefighters were on scene nearly six hours.
- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish
Residential Structure Fire in New Kensington
On February 4, 2026, just before midnight with the temperature at 11 degrees, Station 56 (New Kensington) was called for smoke in a residence. Police reported smoke coming from the house, and first arriving crews found a light haze in the house. Using a TIC, crews found fire in the walls in the basement, extending to the first floor and attic. As firefighters pulled ceilings inside, and siding and walls from the outside, fire erupted through a C-side window. Interiors attacked the fire and any extensions, while the roof was monitored for possible ventilation, but was not needed. Crews were on scene for roughly two hours.
- Fire News photos by Steve
Matto
Occupant Perishes in Conoy Twp. Blaze
Quick Knockdown in South Buffalo Township
On December 15, 2025, crews were called to a residential structure fire in South Buffalo Township. Fire departments from multiple counties arrived on scene quickly, despite hazardous road conditions, and put a quick knockdown on the fire.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
On December 23, 2025, Tower 88 responded to a mobile home fire with entrapment, in Conoy Township. Tower 88 arrived and sent the crew to assist with extinguishment, searches and other tasks. Unfortunately, the sole occupant succumbed to the fire, despite valiant attempts by multiple personnel.
- Fire News photo by Easton Watkins
New Year’s Eve Working Fire Stopped
3
Die in Nursing Home Explosion
Fire crews from across Pennsylvania and New Jersey were called to the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol Township (PA) for a gas leak which was the cause of an explosion that ultimately killed three people; one worker and two residents. Part of the nursing home collapsed and firefighters risked their lives to carry residents on their back to safety. A family reunification site was set up at Lower Bucks Hospital, which was on the same grounds as the nursing home. Fire companies were assisted by front end loaders that stabilized the building that had collapsed. Bristol Twp. Fire Police assisted.
As the final hours of the 2025 were coming to a close, crews were dispatched to a reported house fire on Gap Street in Hegins Township. Soon after chiefs responded, they advised county they had fire showing on the A side of a single-story single-family home. As crews began to respond Chief 13 advised county that they believed they had the fire knocked with an extinguisher. Crews checked for any extension and performed some minor opening up of the exterior wall as well as ventilating the structure.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
1 Dead, 3 FFs Injured in Lewistown 4-Alarmer
Just after 1300 hours on January 23, 2026, Mifflin County sent a box alarm for a house fire with people trapped on East 3rd Street. First arriving Rescue 14 and Truck 32 found heavy fire conditions and a person still on the second floor. A rapid-fire attack was started with the rescue of the subject at the same time. Minutes after the rescue from the second floor by ground ladders, the second floor was engulfed. With the fire starting in the exposures, including a church, a total of four alarms were requested, bringing stations from three counties to the scene. The firefighter injuries were minor, but the rescued occupant died.
-
Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop
Lewistown Boro Apartment Fire
Around 0400 hours on Christmas 2015 morning firefighters from the Lewistown Fire Department (Heritage Fire Company and City Hook & Ladder) were alerted for a possible house fire near the 200 block of West 4th Street in Lewistown Boro. According to the Mifflin County Office of Public Safety shortly after the initial call they began receiving multiple calls and upon response of Lewistown Fire Department Deputy Chief Sean Markley he reported he could see evidence of fire in the skyline from two miles away. Upon arrival he reported it was an apartment building fire showing. Firefighters
initially encountered heavy fire conditions in two apartments of the apartment building but were able to bring the fire under control around 0440. Markley said the only resident of the building was not home at the time of the fire and the cause of the fire was under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and Lewistown’s Fire Marshalls Office. Assisting were Reedsville, Junction Fire, West Granville Fire, Chief Logan Fire, Fame EMS, Lewistown Boro Police Department, and local fire police.
- Fire News photos by Sam Baumgardner
Lewistown 2-Alarmer
On January 26, 2026 at 0949 hours, Lewistown stations were alerted for a house fire on West 4th Street. First arriving units found heavy fire from the second floor. Due to the cold and recent heavy snow a second alarm was requested. Units worked for over two hours to bring the blaze under control. - Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop
High Street Fire Requires Long Hose Run
Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential house fire on High Street at 1958 hours on January 9, 2026. Automatic mutual aid from Lewis Run and Corydon Township was also dispatched. Chief Burkhouse arrived to a working fire in the basement of the house with the owner self-evacuated. Crews laid 400 feet of five-inch supply line from the main road up a long driveway. A 150-foot 1-3/4 inch attack line from Squad 15-2 was used to extinguish the fire while Lewis Run Tanker 6 was used to pump the hydrant supply line. There was minor fire extension to the first floor with a pressurized water can used to extinguish it. The occupant of the home was transported by Bradford City FD ambulance to a local hospital. The fire was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit. Personnel were on the scene for two1/2 hours.
Early Morning Basement Fire in Lower Burrell
Just before 0800 hours on December 24, 2026, Lower Burrell crews and surrounding stations were called to a basement fire in Lower Burrell. Crews arrived quickly and began an attack on the fire. The fire was held to the basement, and firefighters were on scene for roughly 90 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
Vehicle Fire in New Kensington
On January 07, 2026, Station 56 crews were called for a vehicle fire on Tarentum Bridge Road in New Kensington. The fire was held at bay by police and fully extinguished by Station 56 firefighters.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Fire at Global Harvest Foods
At 2059 hours on January 7, 2026, the Lehigh County Communications Center sent Engines 57 and 8, Rescue Engines 56 and 80, Quint 25, Squirt 81, Tower 3, Station 11(RIT), and Station 62(Cetronia EMS) to Ruppsville Road at Global Harvest Foods in Upper Macungie Township for a reported structure fire. The caller advised that one of their robotic machines was on fire inside the building. Assistant Chief 57 arrived on scene to a large commercial structure with nothing evident. Upon entering the building a heavy smoke condition was found. Engine 57 arrived on scene and stretched a 1-3/4 inch attack line inside. Rescue Engine 56 grabbed a hydrant on Ruppsville Road and laid a supply line up the driveway to supply Engine 57. Tower 3 arrived set up to the roof, while simultaneously ventilating. Quint 25 arrived and set up. Squirt 81 arrived right after, nosed into the building, and set up as well. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes, but crews remained on scene for over an hour doing overhaul and ventilating. Station 51 was also requested early in the incident for their large industrial ventilation fan.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Structure Fire in Harrison Township
On December 23, 2025, Harrison, Brackenridge and Tarentum stations were called for a kitchen fire in Harrison. Crews quickly located the fire and had it knocked down within minutes. Crews searched for extensions and ventilated the structure. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
19 Displaced by Harrisburg Blaze
On December 12, 2025, at 1724 hours, Dauphin County 911 began receiving multiple calls for a house fire on North 18th Street in the 1-2 Box area. Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Ladder 2, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) responded. Squad 8 arrived to a three-story, brick, duplex with heavy fire on the A/D side of the second floor and secured a hydrant at 18th and Park Streets. Chief 7 assumed incident command and requested the first-alarm assignment, bringing Wagon 3, Tower 32, Rescue 69, and Air 13 to the scene. Chiefs 1 (Enterline) and 2 (Souder) also responded. Wagon 4 secured a water supply at 18th and Market Street. Two lines were stretched into the fire building and one line into the exposure side where crews had
fire extension on the third floor. Truck 32 set up their aerial tower to work on opening up the D side on the second floor. Tower 1’s crew opened up the mansard area of the third floor. The bulk of visible fire was knocked down in less than 10 minutes and crews performed extensive overhaul before bringing the fire under control in about 45 minutes. The fire was caused by an overloaded extension cord that was running a refrigerator in a second-floor bedroom. The fire displaced 12 adults and seven children.
- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Allentown
Firefighters from the City of Allentown arrived on location on Gordon Street to find heavy fire showing from the front of a row home. The fire eventually went to three-alarms.
- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Fire at Lehighton Coin Laundry
At around 2010 hours on January 4, 2026, the Carbon County Communications Center dispatched Station 5 and Lehighton EMS to Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East at the Lehighton Coin Laundry, in Lehighton Borough, for a reported structure fire. Multiple callers were reporting a large amount of smoke coming from the building. Chief 501 requested an extra engine and RIT be dispatched, bringing Engine 1311 and Stations 14 and 15 (RIT). Chief 501 arrived on scene to a 1 story strip mall with smoke showing from the alpha and delta side. He marked it a working fire and requested that the first due lay in. Engine 512 arrived on scene first and laid a supply line into the scene. Truck 523 arrived soon after and set up to the roof. Engine 512’s crew stretched multiple hand lines into the coin laundry and adjoining stores. Engine 514 came in from the opposite end and dropped a supply line as well. Chief 501 then struck the second alarm bringing in Stations 4 and 6. The fire was knocked down within 45 minutes and there was extension up into the cockloft. Crews remained on scene for about two hours opening up and hitting hot spots.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Joliett DC’s Home Damaged in Overnight 2-Alarmer
On January 3, 2026, crews were dispatched to the 200 block of Main Street in Porter Township for a reported house fire with entrapment. Soon after Joliett Deputy Chief 22-4 confirmed a working fire, with one of the homes affected being his, and that Tanker 22-34 was on scene. As units began to respond, Chief 22-4 requested a tanker task force be dispatched and a second alarm be struck. Crews arrived to find the fire had started on the first floor of a 2-1/2 story wood frame duplex with extensions to exposure structures on both the B and D sides. The occupant reported as entrapped self-extricated from a second story window, slipped on ice and fell from the roof. The occupant was handed over to EMS for evaluation and care. As crews from Hegins Valley Fire Rescue worked to vent the roof, Ladder 58-25 stretched to the roof to vent the attic. Truck 52-22 arrived and stretched its bucket to the roof to assist with opening up. Numerous crews worked both exterior and interior. A few firefighters slipped due to icy conditions but none were injured. Both sides of the duplex suffered significant damage. Crews from Joliett, Muir, Sheridan, Pine Grove North End, HH&L, Hegins, Sacramento, Tremont, Donaldson, Minersville, Wiconisco, Llewellyn, Mahantongo, Liberty, Orwin assisted; EMS came from Williamstown, Tremont and Williamstown Rehab unit.
Extreme Cold Hampers Bradford Firefight
The Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched on Box 1-3 to a Longfellow Avenue residence for a reported house fire at 1603 hours on January 24, 2026. First-due units, Tower 1 and Squad 1 arrived on scene to find a single-story residential structure with smoke and flames showing. Captain Cathy Mealy requested a second alarm, bringing off-duty city firefighters and Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department to the scene. The fire was heavily involved in the crawl space at the rear of the house and extended to the first floor and attic space. Units made a quick hit on the fire, and extensive overhaul operations were required. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the extreme cold temperatures (negative-9 degrees actual temperature). Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department was also requested to the scene. Multiple fire hydrants were frozen along with every other piece of equipment used, with some requiring mechanical service before returning to quarters. Firefighters were on scene for four hours. Chief Butler had command of operations.
- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Trailer Fire on 770W
Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a tractor-trailer fire on Route 770W at 19107 hours on January 15, 2026. While en route a request was made for Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department to respond due to bad weather and extremely slippery road conditions. Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department was placed on standby with their tanker. Lafayette
responded with Engine 21 and Bradford Township responded with Squads 15-1 and 15-2. Firefighters found the trailer heavily involved and used a 1-3/4 inch line to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were on the scene for five hours. A mechanical issue with the trailer brakes caused the fire.
- Fire News photos by Jay. K. Bradish
Man Falls from Ladder, Hits Wires in Frankford
Firefighters were called to Sellers Street, near Penn Street, for a contractor who was critically injured when he fell from a ladder on November 21, 2025. On his way down, the man hit some high-tension lines and was electrocuted resulting in third degree burns. Engine 14 had a firefighter medic in the back of the medic rig as the man was rushed to the hospital.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Berrysburg and Community FC 26 Handles LZ
A blustery and frigid January 23, 2026, leads to Berrysburg and Community Fire Company 26 being dispatched to establish an LZ behind Company 26’s station. Soon after, Life Team EMS and Engine 26 arrived at the LZ and was informed by county that the helicopter would be Life Lion 2. Once safely on the ground the Life Lion 2 crew entered the ambulance to ready the patient for flight. Company 26 stood by as the flight crew was able to load the patient themselves and departed.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Crews Respond to Clarks Valley Rd. Entrapment
On January 23, 2026, crews responded to Clarks Valley Road (Rush Twp.) for an MVA with entrapment. MedEvac 7 was also requested. Crews arrived to find the vehicle also split in half. Crews from Orwin Fire, West End, Sheridan Fire and Muir Fire arrived to find a pickup truck had left the roadway and struck a tree and came to rest on its roof. The rear end of the truck had separated and was located approximately 70 yards into the woods. The box of the truck had also torn off and was laying on the berm of the eastbound lane. EMS from Hegins Area Ambulance as well as UPMC Life Team arrived as crews performed stabilization of the wreckage and worked to extricate the driver. Subsequently EMS requested air medical be used to the LZ at Bendigo Airport. Crews remained on scene of the crash until tow arrived to remove the wreckage.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Limerick Starts the Year Off with an MVA
On January 2, 2026, the first call for the Limerick Fire Department occurred at 0858 hours for a head-on MVA with injuries at the intersection of Ridge Pike and Airport Road. Rescue 51, Assistant 51, Fire Police, Limerick Police, and Freedom Valley EMS responded. Fire Police temporarily shut down Ridge Pike at Fruitville
Road, Neiffer Road, and an area of Airport Road to direct traffic away from the incident. Crews cleared the road of large amounts of debris, secured both vehicles involved, and assisted with patient care. Tow trucks quickly responded and removed the cars from the scene.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
Philadelphia Multi-Vehicle MVA
Philadelphia first responders had a difficult time accessing a multi-vehicle MVA, that caused Woodhaven Road to be closed. Medic units were told to enter the wrong way or back down to access patients. Engine 22, Ladder 31 and a chief ,as well as three medic units, were called. A delivery van rear ended a vehicle, pushing it into another car. Injuries were said to be serious but not life threatening. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Head-on Bustleton Ave 4-Car MVA
Two medic units were called to the Bustleton Avenue for a four-vehicle crash. An 85-year-old driver veered into opposing traffic and slammed head on into a car. The senior citizen’s driver-side needed a door pop and Engine 22 responded from out of district, to assist Ladder 34 with patient care and hazards. The injuries were said to be non-life threatening.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Not So Merry Christmas
Medics from Engine 62 tended to an injured male bicyclist who was struck by a car the day before Christmas. The bicyclist sustained a foot injury and was taken to the hospital by a medic unit. The accident happened at Veree and Red Lion roads in Philadelphia, which is a busy intersection in the northeast section of the city.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
3-Vehicle MVA Rollover with Entrapment
On January 6, 2026, Station 69 (Lower Burrell) and 56 (New Kensington) were called to a three-vehicle accident, with one vehicle rolled over with an entrapment. Crews quickly cut the roof from a rolled over vehicle to free the driver, who was transported to a local hospital.
- Fire News photo by Steve
Matto
Multiple Alarms for Multiple Fires
At around 2000 hours on January 8, 2026, the Lehigh County Communications Center transmitted City of Allentown Box 3457 sending Allentown crews to the area of Irving and East Highland Streets for a building fire. Engine 13 quickly found heavy smoke pouring from the roof of an East Highland Street structure. Crews encountered zero visibility, high heat and maze-like conditions. With the source of the fire not being located and conditions rapidly deteriorating, a second alarm was struck. At the same time, Communications began receiving multiple calls for a house fire in the 400 block of Washington Street, and a third alarm was struck. Engine 13’s crew began stretching handlines through multiple
doors. At this point the Communications Center also dispatched a reported house fire on East Moser Street, as well, sending an entire box of county units there. Truck 2’s crew cut a garage door on the alpha side and subsequently located the seat of the fire. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions in the roof as well. The main body of fire was knocked down within an hour. Once knocked down, it was found that the building was a supply center for hair salons and Hazmat 55 was requested. Crews remained on scene well into the early morning hours checking for extension and hitting hot spots.
- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Fast Knockdown in Mount Joy Twp Fire
January 26, 2026 at 1456 hours, Station 74 and surrounding companies were dispatched for a garage fire in Mount Joy Township’s 600 block of Cassel Road. Engine 74 and Deputy 74 arrived to find a detached garage fully involved with exposures. Crews deployed two attack lines for the main fire building and the dwelling. A quick
knock on the fire prevented the dwelling with having further structure fire loss. Dauphin Tower 88 conducted primary searches of the house. Companies from 54, 70 assisted Tower 74 with overhaul. Crews worked for about two hours before going into service.
- Fire News photos by Easton Watkins
Bensalem Handles Hit Pedestrian
injury. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Crews were close due to them working a different accident about a mile away.
Bensalem Fire Rescue responded to the parking lot of the Shop Rite store on Pasquellone Boulevard for a female struck by a car. Rescue workers helped stabilize the woman who sustained a foot and ankle
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Up Close & Personal
Greenawalds Chief Andrew Garger and Lower Macungie Captain Joshua Houck pose for a quick photo at a structure fire in Upper Macungie Twp. on January 7, 2026.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Upper Macungie Firefighter John Brubacher operating at a structure fire in Upper Macungie Twp. on January 7, 2026.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Training Montgomery Co. Academy Graduates 42
The last graduating class of the Montgomery County Fire Academy, Class 2504, graduated 42 new firefighters from Firefighter I on January 7, 2026. This brought the total number of firefighter grad-
uates for 2025 to 137. Congratulations and best of luck to all the new firefighters! - Fire
News photos by Regina Jelski
Firefighter’s Son to Represent USA in World Hockey Tournament
It is often said that a firefighter needs the support of their family to do their job properly. We appreciate our relatives knowing how much that means to us. It’s also said that the firefighting community is one big happy family. Well now, a firefighter is asking for the help of fellow firefighters to support his son in his chance of a lifetime.
Jon Sizer is a firefighter with the Birdsboro-Union Fire Department in Berks County, and his wife Beth, are parents to an autistic teenager who has found his niche as an ice hockey goaltender.
Jackson competes at a high level across multiple hockey programs. In travel hockey, he plays for the Hollydell Hurricanes of Washington Township (NJ) and is also a member of the Dark Magic Hockey Club, a select tournament team. At the scholastic level, Jackson guards net for the Manheim Township Blue Streaks of Lancaster. This spring he will display his talents with the Bearcat Elite Hockey Club of Spencerport
EX-CHIEF BOB KUTCH JOINS KONSTANT DESIGN
After 30+ years of sales and service experience, to continue providing the Fire Service with the quality of products and attention you need and expect, I have made the decision to join the Konstant Design team as of January 1, 2026.
Konstant Design is known for excellent service and attention to detail in the custom apparel design and manufacturing industry. Whether your department is celebrating a wet down for a new vehicle, hosting a local or regional parade or honoring a fallen brother or sister, we stand ready to work with you to design a top quality garment.
I look forward to continuing my many valued, existing relationships and to bringing new customers on board as we move forward together to honor the service of our brother and sister firefighters. Konstant Design –Premium Apparel. Bold Designs. Built to Perform.
(NY) as a member of their showcase tournament team.
His greatest achievement is being named to represent the USA in the United World Games to be held In June 2026 in Klagenfurt, Austria.
As fantastic as this news is, it comes with a price. The family must raise the funds needed to send Jackson on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In addition to looking for corporate support in the Birdsboro area, they have set up an account at gogetfunding.com (the full link is below). This is just one of Jackson’s Developmental Milestones, which show key achievements in an autistic child’s growth, representing important steps in their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
If you would like to help Jackson, please make your donation at https://gogetfunding.com/sponsoring-jacksons-awesome-hockeyjourney. The Sizer family thanks you for your support.
KUSSMAUL
ELECTRONICS WELCOMES DAMON LEWIS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
Kussmaul Electronics proudly announces the appointment of Damon Lewis as Vice President of Sales, effective December 2025. This strategic leadership addition reflects Kussmaul’s continued commitment to the Emergency Vehicle industry and its future growth. Damon brings more than two decades of experience in the Emergency Vehicle industry and is widely recognized for his ability to foster long‐term customer relationships, lead high‐performing sales teams, and drive strategic growth. He has held senior roles in sales and business development at Whelen Engineering, Code 3, and Fouts Bros., serving both domestic and international markets across Fire and EMS segments.
His leadership background, combined with technical product expertise and a deep understanding of operational challenges, makes Damon uniquely equipped to understand the evolving needs of the industry and deliver practical, effective solutions. In his new role at Kussmaul, Damon will lead the company’s sales team and commercial strategy across North America and international markets, with a focus on customer experience, growth, and strengthened relationships across the Emergency Vehicle industry. He will work closely with OEMs, dealers, and departments to expand the company’s market presence while upholding the high standards of quality and service that Kussmaul is known for. Additionally, Damon will serve as Vice President of International Sales for MCE Vehicle Power, where he will work closely with Xantrex, one of Kussmaul’s sister companies, to strengthen the division’s global presence. “We’re excited to welcome Damon to the Kussmaul leadership team,” said Dale Tompkins, President of Vehicle Power at MCE. “His experience, integrity, and customer‐first mindset align perfectly with our mission to support those who serve.”
Damon’s appointment marks an important step forward in Kussmaul’s commitment to providing dependable, innovative power solutions that keep emergency vehicles energized and ready when seconds count.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Valeria
Donoghue
Marketing Manager valeria.donoghue@mce‐llc.com
REMEMBER FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS, ONE BELL AT TIME
Each year, the sound of bells carries across the country in a powerful act of remembrance.
Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters is a moving nationwide tribute honoring America’s firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Fire departments, places of worship, carillonneurs, and community organizations unite to ring bells in their memory—ensuring they are never forgotten.
This tribute takes place during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, when the nation pauses to honor those who died in the line of duty. By ringing bells on the weekend of May 2–3, 2026, you send a clear message to Fire Hero Families: your loved one’s service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Whether you toll a single bell at your station, host a public ceremony, or invite your entire community to participate, your involvement matters.
Add your bell to the national chorus of remembrance.